Published: March 7, 2026 at 5:29 pm
Around 700 para shuttlers are taking part in the 7th Senior National Para Badminton Championship 2026 which got underway at the Heartfulness Gopichand Badminton Academy (HGBA) at Kanha Shanti Vanam in Hyderabad.
Among the 700 para shuttlers are around 200 wheelchair athletes. The para shuttlers have come from all parts of the country. The championship will end on March 10, and it highlights the growing strength and competitive spirit of para badminton in the country.
The prestigious national tournament features participation from several National champions and Paralympic medalists, making it one of the largest gatherings of para-badminton talent in India.
Athletes are competing across multiple categories, showcasing remarkable skill, determination, and resilience on the court.
The qualification rounds and main draw matches will take place until March 9, while the finals of the championship will be held on March 10. The event provides an important platform for para-athletes to demonstrate their abilities and gain national recognition while strengthening India’s para-sports ecosystem.
Para shuttlers are competing across multiple categories, showcasing remarkable skill, determination, and resilience on the court
The opening ceremony was attended by distinguished leaders from the Indian badminton fraternity, including Sanjay Mishra, general secretary of the Badminton Association of India and chairman of Para Badminton, and Prabhakar Rao, vice-chairman of Para Badminton.
Truly world-class facility for shuttlers: Mishra
“The Heartfulness Gopichand Badminton Academy is a truly world-class facility and one of the few venues that offers all the amenities required for para-athletes. The infrastructure, accessibility, hospitality and overall environment here create a very nurturing space for athletes to perform at their best. Hosting the Senior National Para Badminton Championship at Kanha Shanti Vanam reflects the growing commitment towards inclusive sports in India. With the talent we are seeing and the increasing participation across the country, I am very optimistic about the future of para badminton in India,” said Sanjay Mishra.
At this national championship we have many top players who have won Olympic and World Championship medals. It is a great opportunity for viewers to watch these exceptional athletes compete and for young athletes to be inspired by them, says Pullela Gopichand
“This is extremely heartening to see. At this national championship we have many top players who have won Olympic and World Championship medals. It is a great opportunity for viewers to watch these exceptional athletes compete and for young athletes to be inspired by them. It is wonderful that Heartfulness is organising the Para Nationals here at Kanha Shanti Vanam in Hyderabad and that the state of Telangana is hosting such an important championship,” said Pullela Gopichand, chief coach of the Indian badminton team.
“When we see these athletes play, we are reminded that the human spirit is stronger than any limitation. Their courage, determination and joy inspire all of us. At Heartfulness we believe that when the heart is strong and peaceful within, great things become possible. We are happy that Kanha Shanti Vanam can be a place where such inspiring stories unfold and where athletes from across the country come together in the spirit of unity and excellence,” said Kamlesh D Patel, global guide of Heartfulness.
The championship continues over the coming days with intense competition expected across categories, culminating in the final matches on March 10.
